Experts remove pier fire debris

No timescale has been put on rebuilding the burnt pier

Salvage experts are being brought in to remove the tonnes of twisted steel on Weston-super-Mare's fire-ravaged Grand Pier.

Despite its loss to the resort, more than 25,000 people visited the pier over the weekend of 2 and 3 August.

Ms Michael described the public's support in the wake of the fire as "absolutely fantastic".

In her first interview since the fire, she pledged her family's continuing support for the project.

My brother and I believe in the pier and are committed to it Michelle Michael

Ms Michael said: "I honestly didn't expect the fire to take hold of the whole pavilion.

"I had absolutely no idea we were going to have a total loss."

She said they had been "overwhelmed with goodwill from suppliers and businesses and especially the public".

Ms Michael said it was too soon to say how long the job of rebuilding the pier would take.

"We have to consult with English Heritage as the structure is Grade II listed and see what sort of design it will be," she said.

"My brother and I believe in the pier and are committed to it.

"We will do something bigger, better and more attractive to a wider range of people for many more years to come," she added.